International Day Of Yoga: Importance and Benefits of Yoga in Our Life

Yoga is one of the most ancient forms of exercise that provides a full workout to the body and the mind. Yoga has many benefits, and it is corroborated by healthcare experts worldwide. It helps improve body posture, flexibility, stamina, and concentration and promotes mental well-being. It also reduces the risk of various diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, etc. 

And, to celebrate Yoga, the UN (United Nation) started the International Day of Yoga in 2015 and since then it is celebrated every year on June 21st, which also happens to be the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere.  

This year, in 2024, the Ministry of AYUSH in India has chosen ‘Yoga for Self and Society’ as the theme for World Yoga Day. This year also marks the 10th year of Yoga Day. So, if you want ideas to celebrate this day, we have put together a few fun and interesting ideas. So, let’s get started. 

Take an online Yoga Class

You may have heard your friends and family boasting about how they have benefitted from practising yoga and how they have never felt healthier and livelier before. All this may have egged you to start taking yoga lessons but somehow it never materialised. Don’t worry, with the International Yoga Day just around the corner, you can use it as a motivation to start practising yoga and enrol for an online yoga class.  

Practice yoga somewhere else 

If you are already a Yoga aficionado and have been practising yoga for some time, you can break your routine and head out somewhere to a new place for your daily yoga session. Maybe you can go out in the local garden instead of doing it indoors or maybe try doing a new pose that you wanted to try for some time.  

Get yourself and others some new yoga supplies 

The International Yoga Day 2024 theme is ‘Yoga for Self and Society’. So, why not use this day to do something for others and encourage them to practice yoga everyday and live a healthier and better life.  

You can buy some yoga supplies like a yoga mat, or a water bottle for the people who cannot afford to buy it themselves. This will help encourage them to do yoga regularly. Also, you can buy yourself a new supply for yourself just to lift your spirits up. 

Organise a yoga lesson for your colleagues/friends in the neighbourhood 

Doing yoga by yourself is great, but when you involve others and do it in a group setting it’s a different experience and fun altogether. If you have been practising yoga for a while, you can try teaching the techniques you have learned over the years to others and inspire and motivate them too.  

The International Day of Yoga would be a great chance for you to showcase your skills to others and also help them learn a few new skills. You can organise a small yoga session in your office for your colleagues or for the neighbours in your building.  

Spend time doing some meditation 

Yoga is not just about practising a few poses and flexing the muscles, it is also about increasing mental awareness and controlling your breath. So, this yoga day, you can skip the usual session and find a quiet place somewhere for meditation. It is a great way to break the routine and also connect your inner self in a better way.  

Go for a yoga retreat 

There are many places in India where you can go for a yoga retreat. It is like a complete detoxification of your mind, body and soul. Depending on where you live, you can go to the nearest yoga retreat. Most of these retreats have a very serene and calming surrounding and are located in idyllic locations that make you feel rejuvenated and by the end of the retreat you may feel you are a different person. 

Disconnect yourself 

As mentioned earlier, Yoga is all about becoming more self-aware and connecting with your true self. So, with the International Yoga Day coming up, you can use the day as an opportunity to disconnect yourself with everything else and connect with you.  

Keep your laptop, phones, tablets and all other tech devices aside for one day and just focus on yourself. You can spend a quiet day meditating or just going outdoors and spend a day amongst nature. Appreciate the little things like hearing the sounds of the birds, the towering tree in your area that provides shades and bears fruits. Read your favourite book and do things that make you feel happy.  

By the end of the day, you will realise how liberating it is to just disconnect with everything else for one day. The peace you may feel within would be incomparable. 

Pamper yourself with a relaxing massage 

With daily stress, it is natural that your muscles become sore and it is vital that you relieve the stress and the best way to do it is to take a full body massage. If you have ever stayed in a Club Mahindra Resort or if you have Club Mahindra Membership, you would know that the resorts have an in-house spa that provides the most amazing wellness experiences.  

Now that you know different ways to celebrate the International Yoga Day, make the most of this wonderful day to spread cheer and smile. Happy International Yoga Day to you and all!